A quarter of UK employees work an extra day a week for free, says study

Tom Newcombe
, 30 Nov 2012

Every week, as many as 28% of professionals work more than six hours outside their normal operating hours, according to a report published today by talent management firm, Kelly Services.

Latest findings from the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) reveal that 28% of workers surveyed in the UK work more than six hours outside their normal operating hours per week. This amounts to almost an extra day working for free.

Nearly half of the 3,500 British respondents say that mobile technology has improved their productivity. However, 38% believe it has contributed to increased burnout.

Gary Jones, managing director at Kelly Services, said: "We have been witnessing a steady trend towards the more independent and self-reliant worker.

"These people are better connected, more flexible about when and where they work and frequently put themselves under a lot of pressure."

As employees spend more time working remotely using mobile technology, the office-style working environment is becoming outdated, with nearly two-thirds of workers saying they would prefer to work away from the office if they had the option.

Jones added:"With the rise of the 'virtual worker', it is becoming increasingly important that employers keep in close contact with their workforce, making sure they are offering the support and encouragement their workers need.

"As the traditional nine-to-five model has largely disappeared and been replaced by a more elastic approach to working hours, employers must ensure their employees feel valued and don't risk burning out."

The KGWI examines issues of job mobility and career progression as part of a shift to a more virtual workforce. Nearly 170,000 people in 30 countries participated in the survey, including more than 3,500 in the UK.